Health minister Tony Clement, who also is the minister responsible for FedNor, yesterday announced an investment of $300,000 in the Rainy River Future Development Corp. in support of the agriculture sector in Northwestern Ontario.
“Canada’s new government is proud to invest in a program that will help to increase the profitability of local farms in Rainy River [District],” said Clement.
“This initiative follows our farm support announcement made in December to extend a one-year tax deferral program to livestock producers in [the] Rainy River and Algoma areas.”
FedNor funding will be used to hire a consultant to help farmers increase sales, reduce expenses, and develop value-added products for market over a three-year term.
Some of the consultant’s responsibilities will include developing a website to showcase and sell area products, helping with the recruitment of a large animal veterinarian, and supporting the region in its efforts to build an abattoir.
“The Rainy River District benefits from very fertile soil, ideal for crop and livestock production,” noted RRFDC chair Russ Fortier.
“This investment will help us realize our full potential, building on our natural strengths,” he added.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
